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Yes -- a misdemeannor defiant trespass where I had to or take an appeal -- which would have won, but cost. The dear Judge refused to allow me to submit my proofs of title to the land. I won because in the end, the Judge did either (1) believe me, or (2) wished to spare the county the cost of my appeal.

That was a trivial thing in comparison to this, and no man should have to testify about himself in a trial against him. That is a great princible of Freedom. Why say nay to it, which you do in practical effect? If one hews to the another great princible -- that of presumption of innocence -- why then what a man doesn't say sshould be held to speak for him. Your stance is affine to presumption of guilt, which is a stance poison to Liberty.

I have been to many trials and the Defense Lawyers almost ALWAYS want their client to AVOID TESTIFYING, no matter what. It is considered a LAST RESORT.

That is also why there is a law saying YOU CANNOT BE FORCED TO TESTIFY in a trial where you are the defendant.